Laserfiche WebLink
NITRATE LOADING STUDY <br /> The method utilized for the nitrate loading analysis is based on a simple and convenient <br /> mass balance formula, discussed in a published article by Hantzsche and Finnemore <br /> (1992). <br /> Hantzsche and Finnemore have found from investigations conducted in the Chico, <br /> California area, the water quality in the upper saturated ground-water zone closely <br /> approximates the quality of percolating effluent from septic systems. They have <br /> developed a simple method that could be used to estimate the quality of the percolating <br /> effluent from septic systems. The quality of the percolating effluent may represent the <br /> potential worst-case condition the upper aquifer would ever experience from the use of <br /> on-site septic systems. Mixing and dilution in the aquifer as well as adsorption and <br /> adhesion in the soil substantially reduce the concentration of percolating effluent. <br /> The Hantzsche and Finnemore equation is a conservative approximation of ground- <br /> water nitrate-nitrogen concentration resulting from the combined effect of on-site <br /> sewage disposal systems and precipitation of rain. The equation and method are for <br /> estimation of long-term effect ground-water quality, and are not intended for prediction <br /> of seasonal changes (Hantzsche and Finnemore, 1992). <br /> For the purpose of the Hantzsche and Finnemore equation, only septic effluent is <br /> included in the nitrate loading calculation; no other potential sources of nitrate are <br /> considered. <br /> The method takes into account the development area, soil denitrification factor, rate of <br /> recharge from percolating waters, waste effluent quantity, and waste effluent nitrate <br /> concentration from on-site septic systems, and predicts the nitrate concentration of <br /> percolating effluent. <br /> On-Site Sources of Nitrate <br /> The existing house is the only current on-site source of nitrate. One septic system is <br /> located on the site. <br /> One septic permit was identified for the Site from among the San Joaquin County <br /> Environmental Health Department permit files. The permit, dated August 2019, was for <br /> a new residential septic system utilizing a 1,200-gallon septic tank, two 55-foot leach <br /> lines, and two 42-inch diameter by 25-foot deep seepage pits. <br /> The future on-site source of nitrate will be the new septic system for the proposed <br /> house. <br /> LOGE 20-32 Page 5 <br />